DAY 6&7 Mutale River

NTHAKENI BUSH & RIVER CAMP

Two private campsites called Mufhanda and Mushato with their own kitchens (fully equipped for self-catering and ideal if you don’t want to bring all your cooking gear along) R400 per night for two people, plus R125 per extra person (Mufhanda max six people, Mushato max eight people).

The Baobab campsite is perfect for a bigger group: R300 for two people, plus R100 per extra person (max 10 people). It has two showers and two toilets.

The other two big stands are Marula and Mutale: R350 per night for two people, plus R100 per extra person (max 10 people). The stands each have a scullery. Mopani Tented Group Camp has a great bush feel – R1 500 per night for up to six people. For more comfort, stay in Muvhuyu Cottage (two people, R950 per night) or Mulala Family Cottage (four people, R1 200 per night).

078 854 9218; nthakeni.com

TSHIPISE FOREVER RESORT

This popular resort has different rates for weekends and peak holiday seasons. These are the mid-week and off-peak rates (visit their website for a full list): Caravan park R330 per night for two people, R490 per night for four people, R810 per night for eight people. Rondavel from R995 for two people (some rondavels sleep two, others sleep up to six).

012 423 5600; forevertshipise.co.za

JUJU’S SPAZA SHOP, MASISI

Julia Sawada’s open-air braai restaurant (pictured below) with seating under an awning focuses on chicken cooked over the coals. Whole chicken R110, half chicken R60, quarter chicken R45. You get pap and sauce with your meal – vegetables like marogo are also on the menu. It’s in the middle of Masisi, about 100 m south of the R525 – look for the sign.

GPS: S22.42119 E30.86171

Opening hours: Daily from 5.30 am to 6.45 pm.

076 708 3714 (Julia)